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By Mark Brassel

Known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia and gateway to the Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran will be shining brightly with a fantastic Cup meeting on Sunday.

The action kicks off the day before with a welcome BBQ held on the racecourse between 3pm and 5pm on the Saturday as a lead-up to Cup Day on Sunday.

There'll be plenty of great racing at Coonabarabran next Sunday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Coonabarabran Jockey Club’s secretary/manager, Lindsay Hawkins said: “Saturday will be massive as we’ll host the BBQ before everyone then heads to the Cup Calcutta at Coonabarabran Bowling Club from 6pm.

“The ‘Bowlo’ is one of our major sponsors and we are looking forward to the Coona Cup being our biggest and best yet.

“It will be a huge weekend and we look forward to seeing returning members and guests.

“We have a Fashions on the Field, a TAB and full bar, catering and entertainment – there’s something for everyone and as we say, we’re ‘the friendliest race club in the bush’.”

Feature race is the $75,000 Coonabarabran Showcase Cup (1600m) and being a Racing NSW Country Showcase meeting, the day carries $325,000 in prizemoney.

Mudgee trainer Mack Griffith has nominated in-form gallopers Amicus Curiae and Osman for the Cup.

Amicus Curiae was runner-up to Fairway Star at Hawkesbury last Sunday with Osman finishing third in the same race.

The main support race is the $35,000 Coonabarabran Cup Day Showcase Sprint (1100m).

The Race Club is confident of better luck this year after last year’s Coonabarabran Cup meeting was called off due to rain.

Meanwhile, Bombala Jockey Club will stage its annual Cup Day on Saturday sponsored by Bombala timber merchants, Dongwha Australia.

“Marquee tickets are on sale and it’s the perfect place to watch all the action so everyone should get their friends and family together to make a table,” said BJC’s secretary/manager, Chloe Wilson.

“Tickets are $75 with 10 to a table and that includes entry, racebook, drink voucher and a platter per full table.

“We will have a Fashions on the Field competition with six categories, TAB facilities, food and full bar and Eftpos facilities, but no BYO. Buses will be operating to and from Bombala to the track with gates opening at 11:30am.”

Bombala was also postponed in 2022 due to inclement weather and rain.

Deniliquin race on Saturday with their ‘Peppercorn Party’ raceday including a Fashions on the Field with TAB and bar facilities.

There will also be on-course local and metro bookmakers fielding for the six-race community program with great food and refreshments available along with live music.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Scone
Thursday: Moruya
Friday: Taree
Saturday: Narromine, Bombala (non-TAB), Deniliquin (non-TAB)
Sunday: Coonabarabran, Lismore